An oil spill has been reported off the Eastern coast of India from a Portuguese Flagged Container ship, MV Devon, that had departed from Colombo.
The Indian Coast Guard said a 10 Kiloliter oil spill was reported from the vessel into the sea approximately 250 nautical miles SouthEast of Chennai on Wednesday.
The vessel was enroute to Haldia in the Indian State of West Bengal after departing from Colombo.
According to the Indian Coast Guard, the oil spill has reportedly occurred due to a breach of the vessel’s fuel tank.
“However, MV Devon is stable and is continuing its journey. All authorities concerned have been informed. The situation is being monitored,” it added.
The Indian Coast Guard further said the vessel is expected to reach its destination later today.
Meanwhile, Indian media reported that the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Center (MRCC), Colombo had informed the Indian Coast Guard of the oil spill, in the late hours of Wednesday (16).
Further investigation revealed that the MV Devon vessel had developed an underwater crack in the left side fuel tank containing about 120 KL of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO).
As a result of this crack, 10KL of oil had spilled into the sea, but the crew had taken preventive action by transferring the remaining oil into another tank.
The vessel is carrying 10,795 tonnes of general cargo in 382 containers and manned by 17 crew of mixed nationality. (NewsWire)
#MVDevon enroute Haldia from Colombo reported fuel tank breach resulting in spillage of 10KL oil into sea approx 250 nm SE of Chennai on 16 Jun. Vessel stable & continuing passage. All concerned informed by @IndiaCoastGuard. Situation being monitored.@DefenceMinIndia @moefcc pic.twitter.com/aCSJ62xb9k
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) June 17, 2021